Who is responsible? Sharks blame poor surface for Ulinzi loss

Kariobangi Sharks assistant coach Ezekiel Seda has blamed the poor state of Narok Stadium for his team’s 2-0 defeat to Ulinzi Stars. The FKF Premier League loss on Saturday afternoon greatly dented Sharks' quest for berth in next season's CAF Champions League.

First-half goals from Masita Bitolwa and Clinton Omondi helped the military outfit pick an important win in Narok; this ended their four-match winless run and ensured that they started the second phase of the league with three vital points.

Speaking after the match, Seda said his team was better tactically in the first stanza but technical mistakes from some players and the poor state of the playing surface played a role in the team’s defeat to Benjamin Nyangweso’s side.

“In the first half, I think we were well in the game. Tactically we were doing the right thing as we had prepared but sometimes football happens. Technically some players did not do the right thing, the pitch did not make things easier either, the ball was bouncing off the ground and taking an unexpected direction and it forced us to defend as a team, we were made to defend so many transitions and in such situations, the team with the ball is vulnerable,” he told Mozzart Sport.

Seda however noted improvements after the interval. He said that they had to change tact and take more risks, however did not pay off as they could not break down the solid military outfit.

“In the second half we attacked more, took more risks and I can say it was better for us and I think it gives us something to work on in our next match,” he added.

Next for Sharks is a match against Nairobi City Stars. Ulinzi will host Nzoia Sugar FC.